■,%, 


^. 


v^^^.. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


h 


/. 


{./ 


i< 


i/.A 


f/- 


1.0 


14  i 


m.  125 


us 


K 


12.2 


I.I     1 1^  Hl^ 


-Ml  Htuu 


!JI  114    L6 


Sdences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


i\ 


4 


'  %. 


%^ 


^ 


t/u 


"^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICIVIH 
Coliection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Not08/^otes  techniques  et  bibiiographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couvortura  de  couleur 

□    Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagi* 

□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  at/ou  peiliculAe 

□    Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

□    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

□    Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relii  avec  d'autres  documents 


n 


n 


n 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  nr  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  te  long  de  la  marge  intirif  ure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
hava  been  omitted  from  filr.^ing/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  dune  restauration  apparaissant  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  itait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  iti  film^es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-4tre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  una 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normals  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


r~n    Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pagfs  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 


I      I    Pages  damaged/ 

r~[    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


0    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolor^es,  tacheties  ou  piquees 

Q    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachees 

r~|    Showthrough/ 
Li^    Transparence 

□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in^gale  de  I'impression 

□    Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  matiriel  supplementaire 

□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seuie  Edition  disponible 


D 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t§  filmies  d  nouveau  de  facon  a 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 
Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu*  ci-dessous. 
10X  14X  18X  22X 


12X 


16X 


J 


20X 


26X 


30X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


re 

l^tails 
as  du 

noiijfier 
ir  une 
ilmage 


IS 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«r«  has  b««n  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

L^itlature  du  Quebec 
Quebec 

Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  arm  tha  baat  quality 
possibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif icationa. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  art  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  eovar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa* 
sion,  or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriate.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  filmad  beginning  on  the 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illuatratad  imprea- 
sion,  and  ending  on  the  laat  page  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  «»>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  appliea. 

Mapa,  plataa.  charts,  etc..  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  r«tioa.  Thoae  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  comer,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framea  aa 
required.  The  following  diagrama  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'axamplaira  filmi  fut  raproduit  grica  A  Ja 
gin^rositi  de: 

L^itlature  du  Quibec 
Quebec 


Las  imagaa  suivantea  ont  «t«  raproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  natteti  da  I'exemplaira  film*,  at  en 
eonformit*  avac  lea  condltiona  du  contrat  de 
fiimage. 

Lea  axemplaJrea  originaux  dont  la  eouvenure  en 
papier  eat  imprim«e  sont  filmte  sn  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  an  tarminant  soit  par  la 
damiire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impreaaion  ou  d'illuatration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  selon  le  ess.  Tous  lea  autres  oxamplairss 
originaux  sont  filmis  sn  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impreaaion  ou  d'lllustration  at  en  termtnant  par 
la  damiire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  dee  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
damiAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
caa:  le  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Las  cartes,  planchee.  tablaeux.  etc.,  peuvent  itre 
filmAe  *  dee  taux  de  reduction  diff«rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  itre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cllch*,  il  eat  film*  i  partir 
da  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  i  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  baa.  an  pranant  le  nombre 
d'Images  n^cessaira.  Lea  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


rrata 
:o 


aelure. 


J 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

PROCEEDINGS 


? 


OP  THE 


(B^SI^lD^lKDSt 


HELD   AT 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS,  AUGUST  21,  1849, 


RELATIVE   TO    THE 


Ql  tavoxtmt  ani  €l)amplam  0t)ip  Canal ; 


WITH   THE 


SEPARATE  REPORTS 


OP   THE 


I*"-      » 


CANADIAN  AND  AMERICAN  COMMITTEES. 


%  '■*"•'  \ 


\\ 


:«    "•' 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS. 
1849v 


.cjaoK 


ST 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF   THE 


CONVENTION 


HELD   AT 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS,  AUGUST  21,   1849, 


RELATIVE   TO   THE 


ST.  LAWRENCE  AND   CHAMPLAIN 


SHIP    CANAL; 


WITH   THE 


SEPARATE  REPORTS 


OF   THE 


CANADIAN  AND  AMERICAN  COMMITTEES. 


SARATOGA  SPRINGS. 


1819. 


iiP-**.-- **-^w^ 


'^•iism^'Wv!'-'Wjm>V:'vi'm3''mvrmv^ 


li 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


•t 


• 


At  a  Convention  held  in  Saratoga  Springs,  on  Tuesday,  the  21st  of 
August,  1849,  adjourned  from  the  meeting  held  at  Troy  on  the  21st 
ultimo— Maj.  Gen.  JOHN  E.  WOOL,  in  the  chair ;  Hon.  A.  M.  Mo- 
RiN,  speaker  of  the  house  of  assembly  of  Canada,  and  Hon.  Peter 
McGiLL,  member  of  the  legislative  council  of  Canada,  were  chosen 
Vice  Presidents.  John  Ostell,  Esq.  of  Montreal,  and  F.  H.  Jack- 
son, Esq.  of  Westport,  Secretaries. 

Chancellor  Walworth,  chairman  of  the  general  committee  appointed 
at  Troy  to  visit  the  site  of  the  proposed  canal,  on  behalf  of  the  American 
portion  of  that  committee — submitted  and  read  the  report  of  their  pro- 
ceedings. 

REPORT. 

The  American  part  of  the  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  duty 
of  visiting  the  site  of  the  proposed  ship  canal  to  connect  the  waters  of  the 
St.  Lawrence  and  Lake  Champlain,  and  to  obtain  such  information  rela- 
tive thereto  as  might  be  practicable,  respectfully  report : 

That  they  repaired  to  St.  Johns,  on  the  31st  ultimo,  accompanied  by 
Mr.  Claxton,  a  scientific  engineer,  where  they  met  a  committee  from  the 
citizens  of  Montreal  and  St.  Johns ;  one  of  whom,  after  organization, 
gave  a  verbal  abstract  of  the  charter  authorizing  the  construction  of  such 
canal.  As  this  charter  is  somewhat  voluminous,  and  aa  very  few  copies 
have  reached  the  states,  the  committee  have  supposed  that  a  condensed 
and  brief  statement  of  its  provisions  would  prove  acceptable  to  this  con- 
vention ;  and  they  have  accordingly  caused  to  be  prepared  the  following 
abstract  of  the  "  act  to  incorporate  a  company  for  the  construction  of  a 
ship  canal  to  connect  the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain  and  the  river  St. 
Lawrence,"  which  was  passed  on  the  30th  of  May,  1849. 

The  first  section  of  the  act  incorporates  certain  individuals  named 
therein,  together  with  such  others  as  shall  become  subscribers  and  pro- 
prietors of  the  stock  of  the  corporation,  by  the  name  of  the  "  St.  Law- 
rence and  Champlain  Company,"  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  canal  from 
some  point  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence  between  any  point  on  Lake  St.  Fran- 
cois and  Longueil,  and  such  point  on  the  Richelieu,  or  on  Lake  Champlain, 
as  may  be  found  most  desirable  and  convenient  for  the  general  interests 
of  trade  and  of  the  public  ;  with  the  right  to  the  company  to  acquire  and 
hold  land,  &c.  for  the  use  of  the  canal  and  other  works  connected  there- 


with,  Biibject  to  the  restrictions  contained  in  the  second  section  of  the  act. 
This  second  section  restricts  the  coniiKiny  from  breaking  ground  or  com- 
mencing the  construction  of  the  canal,  until  they  shallhave  mnde  and 
submitted  to  the  governor  and  council,  the  plan,  location,  dimensions,  and 
all  necessary  particulars  of  the  canal,  and  of  the  locks,  briilges  and  other 
works  connected  therewith,  and  the  points  of  termination  of  such  canal, 
and  such  plan  shall  have  received  the  sanction  of  the  governor  and  coun- 
cil. And  the  act  also  requires  that  the  canal  and  its  locks,  &c.  shall  not 
be  of  a  less  size,  depth  and  capacity  than  the  Beauharnois  canal  upon  the 
St.  Lawrence  river. 

The  subsequent  sections  of  the  act  arc  substantially  as  follows  : 

The  company  are  empowered  and  authorized  to  enter  upon  any  lands 
upon  the  route,  and  set  out  and  survey  the  same,  to  get  materials,  erect 
buildings,  machinery,  bridges,  «&c.  and  to  open  quarries  adjacent  to  the 
canal ;  doing  as  little  damage  as  possible  and  making  compensation  to 
the  owners. 

The  company  are  to  make  a  map  or  plan  of  the  intended  canal  as  ap- 
proved, which  is  to  be  deposited  in  the  olllce  of  the  prothonotary,  from 
which  copies  may  be  taken.  They  are  to  erect  and  keep  in  repair  good 
draw-bridges  where  the  canal  crosses  any  highway ;  and  they  cannot  take 
lands  to  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  breadth  without  the  con- 
eent  of  the  proprietors,  except  where  basins,  &c.  are  required. 

The  company  may  place  their  canal  upon  the  lands  oi'  any  person  in 
the  line  shown  on  the  plan,  or  within  500  yards  from  such  line,  except  at 
the  terminii,  or  the  place  of  entry  into  the  Chambly  canal ;  although  the 
owner's  name  may  be  erroneously  mentioned  in  the  plan. 

The  company  are  allowed  the  use  of  the  public  beach,  as  far  as  neces- 
sary ;  and  with  the  sanction  of  the  governor  in  council,  and  upon  terms,  to 
enter  the  Chambly  canal  and  widen,  deepen  and  alter  it  for  their  use. 

They  may  lease  or  sell  any  of  their  surplus  water.  After  the  lands 
upon  the  line  shall  be  set  out,  the  owners  may  sell  and  convey  the  same 
to  the  company.  And  parties  may,  before  the  lands  are  actually  set  out, 
agree  upon  the  price  for  the  same,  which  contracts  shall  be  binding  for  one 
year  upon  the  owners  or  subsequent  holders,  and  possession  may  be  ta- 
ken and  the  price  paid,  the  same  as  upon  an  award  ;  and,  where  no  power 
exists  to  sell  any  such  lands,  an  annual  rent  may  be  agreed  upon,  and 
for  the  payment  of  such  rent  and  the  purchase  price  of  the  lands  the  tolls 
are  made  liable  in  preference  to  all  other  claims.  Where  undivided 
property  is  owned  by  different  individuals,  an  agreement  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  one  third  is  binding  on  the  residue  of  the  owners. 

The  company,  after  one  month's  notice  of  the  filing  of  the  map  and 
plan,  may  agree  with  owners  as  to  the  compensation  to  be  paid  them ; 
and  in  case  the  company  and  owners  cannot  agree,  then  the  same  is  to 
be  settled  by  arbitration,  fis  provided  in  section  13 ;  and  in  case  the  own- 
ers do  not  rjicover  a  greater  sum  than  that  offered  by  the  company,  the 
owners  are  to  pay  the  whole  costs  of  the  proceeding.  On  payment  of  the 
sum  awarded,  or  on  giving  se(turity  for  the  payment  of  the  same,  posses- 
sion may  be  taken  by  the  company,  and  in  case  of  resistance  a  warrant 
of  possession  may  be  obtained. 

The  compensation  awarded,  or  agreed  upon,  shall  stand  instead  of  the 
lands,  and  be  liable  to  the  same  liens  and  incumbrances ;  and  where  the 
provisions  of  the  act  shall  not  have  been  complied  with,  the  rights  of  the 
company  and  of  other  parties  are  to  be  governed  by  the  ordinary  rules  of 
law.  The  same  rules  apply  to  lands  belonging  to  Indians  as  to 
other  parties.  Actions  tor  indemnity  for  damage  must  be  brought  within 
six  months  after  the  damage. 


Any  person  obHtructinj?  or  interrupting  the  works  iu  made  liable  tT  a 
penalty  of  not  less  than  £  I  5e,  nor  more  than  XH) ;  and  pr'rsons  wilfully 
and  m.'iliciouHly  damaging  any  of  the  property  of  the  company  will  be 
guilty  of  felony. 

The  company  must  open  books  of  subscription  for  the  stock  and  give 
public  notice  of  the  time  and  place  where  such  books  will  be  opened. 
The  capital  is  not  to  exceed  .€500,000  Canudian  currency,  or  ^a.000,000, 
and  is  to  bo  applied  first  to  the  fees  for  passing  the  act  and  for  making 
surveys,  «&c.  and  the  rest  towards  completing  the  canal.  The  capital 
is  to  DO  divided  into  shares  of  £25,  or  $100  each;  and  is  to  be  deemed 
personal  estate  and  transferable  as  such.  In  case  the  said  £500,000  shall  be 
insulficient,  a  further  suni  may  be  raised,  by  contributing  among  them- 
selves, or  by  the  admission  ot  new  subscribers,  not  to  exceed  £500.000. 

The  company  may  also  borrow  such  sum  as  may  be  foimd  expedient, 
not  to  exceed  one  fourtii  of  the  amount  paid  in  upon  the  stock  subscribed. 
Each  holder  of  any  less  number  than  five  shares  is  entitled  to  one  vote;, 
and  each  holder  of  five  shares  and  upwards  is  to  have  two  votes 
for  every  five  shares,  and  may  vote  by  proxy.  And  all  questions  are  to 
be  decided  by  the  majority  ot  votes  and  proxies  then  present.  No  mem- 
ber ofthecoinpany  is  to  be  liable  for  its  debts  beyond  the  extent  of  his 
share  in  the  capital  not  paid  up. 

The  first  general  meeting  of  the  stockholders  is  to  be  held  at  Mon- 
treal, whenever  sufficient  shares  have  been  subscribed  for  ;  and  a  board 
of  nine  directors  is  then  to  be  chosen,  and  such  rules,  regulations  and 
by-laws  adopted  as  shall  be  expedient.  The  directors  so  chosen  are  to 
remain  in  ollice  until  the  following  January;  and  in  the  month  of  Janu- 
ary in  each  year  thereafter  an  aimual  general  meeting  of  the  monibcrs 
of  the  company  is  to  be  hold  to  choose  directors,  &c.  Five  stockholders 
holding  together  one  hundred  shares  may  call  a  special  general  meeting 
whenever  requisite.  Two  directors  are  to  retire  annually,  but  are  eligi- 
ble to  re-election.  Five  directors  constitute  a  quorum,  and  the  chairman 
has  the  casting  vote  but  no  other.  No  person  interested  in  any  contract 
under  said  company  is  capable  of  being  chosen  a  director. 

The  annual  meeting  has  power  to  appoint  not  exceeding  three  audi- 
tors to  audit  all  accounts,  and  the  directors  have  power  to  make  such 
calls  of  money  from  the  proprietors  as  from  time  to  time  may  be  neces- 
sary, and  have  full  power  and  authority  to  direct  and  manage  all  the  af- 
fairs of  the  company. 

The  shareholders  are  bound  to  pay  calls  as  directed;  and  in  case  of 
neglect  forfeit  five  per  cent;  and  in  case  of  neglect  for  six  months  they 
forfeit  their  shares,  or  the  company,  at  its  election,  may  sue  for  and  col- 
lect the  amount  of  the  call.  The  forfeiture  must  be  declared  at  some 
general  meeting. 

The  company  at  its  annual  meetings  has  power  to  remove  any  officers 
and  elect  others  in  their  places;  to  alter  and  amend  their  by-laws;  and 
to  impose  penalties,  not  to  exceed  £10,  for  a  breach  of  the  by-laws.  The 
by-laws  are  to  be  in  writing  and  published  ;  and  any  by-laws  fixing  or 
altering  the  rate  of  tolls  must  be  approved  by  the  governor  in  council. 

The  shareholders  may  dispose  of  their  shares  by  written  transfers ; 
and  every  transfer  must  be  made  known  to  the  company  and  entered  in 
the  book  of  the  secretary.  The  directors  may  appoint  a  treasurer ;  and 
a  clerk  who  must  keep  a  perfect  account  of  the  names  and  of  the  share- 
holders. 

The  company  may  receive  tolls,  and  establish  the  rate  of  the  same,  and 
may  sue  for  and  recover  the  amount  of  tolls  or  seize  and  detain  the  goods 
ana  vessels ;  and  may  at  any  general  meeting  reduce  or  raise  the  tolls ; 


6 

but  the  same  tolls,  at  the  Bame  time,  are  to  be  paid  upon  all  vessels 
goods  and  persons. 

The  coiupuny  must  semi-annualljr,  on  the  first  days  of  January  and  Ju- 
ly, make  up  an  account  of  their  receipts  and  expenses ;  and  divitlends  are 
to  be  declared  from  time  to  time.  Fractions  of  a  mile  in  distance  on  the 
canal  are  to  be  considered  one  whole  mile  ;  and  fractions  of  a  quarter  of 
a  ton  m  weight  are  to  be  considered  a  whole  quarter  of  a  ton  ;  and  tables 
of  the  rates  of  tolls  are  to  be  printed  and  publicly  posted. 

The  company  must  within  six  months,  if  required  by  the  owners  of 
property  adjacent  to  the  canal,  put  up  proper  fences,  and  maintain  the 
same.  The  canal,  when  completed,  is  to  be  measured  and  milestones 
er^ted  thereon.  The  managers  and  the  collectors  are  required  to  give 
sufficient  security  to  the  company  for  the  faithful  discharfre  of  their  du- 
ties. ° 

All  fines  and  forfeitures  imposed  by  the  fict,  or  by-laws,  may  be  recov- 
ered before  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  levied  by  distress  and  Hide  of  the 
goods  and  chattels  of  defendant;  and  in  default  of  goods  and  chattels, 
the  defendant  is  liable  to  imprisonment.  An  appeal  from  the  decision  of 
the  justice  of  the  peace  may,  within  four  months,  be  taken  to  the  general 
sessions.  Actions  or  suits  under  this  act  must  be  brought  within  six 
months.  Any  contravention  of  this  act  not  otherwise  provided  for  is  to 
be  deemed  a  misdemeanor. 

Her  majesty  may,  within  fifteen  years  from  the  complete  construction 
of  said  canal,  assume  the  same,  on  giving  two  years' notice  to  the  compa- 
ny, and  on  paying  the  whole  current  amount  of  its  capital  stock,  and  fif- 
teen per  cent  in  addition  thereto.  The  company  is  required  to  make  and 
deposit  the  map  and  plan  of  the  canal,  as  approved  of  by  the  governor 
and  council,  within  eighteen  months ;  and  the  whole  stock  must  be  sub- 
scribed for,  and  ten  per  cent  paid  thereon,  within  throe  years,  and  the 
canal  completed  in  five  years,  from  the  passage  of  the  act,  or  else  the 
charter  will  be  void. 

The  company  is  to  submit  to  the  legislature,  annually,  detailed  ac- 
counts of  the  moneys  received  and  expended.  It  is  not  permitted  to  pro- 
ceed to  break  ground  until  two  hundred  thousand  pounds  shall  have  been 
subscribed  to  its  capital  stock,  and  ten  per  cent  thereon  paid  in;  nor  until 
the  election  of  a  boarc.  of  directors.  And  it  is  not  to  be  exempt  from  the 
provisions  of  any  general  act  on  the  subject  of  canals,  &c.  which  may  be 
passed  by  parliament.  Nor  is  any  act  of  parliament  relative  to  the  trans- 
portation of  her  majesty's  troops  and  munitions  of  war  thereon,  or  in  re- 
lation to  the  mail  or  telegraphs,  to  be  deemed  an  infringement  of  the 
act  of  incorporation ;  which  is  declared  to  be  a  public  act. 


After  the  attention  of  the  committee  had  been  fully  called  to  the  pro- 
visions of  the  charter,  a  question  arose  as  to  those  parts  of  it  which  give 
to  the  governor  and  council  a  supervisory  power  over  the  location  of 
the  canal  and  of  its  locks,  bridges,  &c.  Though  it  was  contended  by 
several  of  the  committee,  that  this  power  was  not  designed  to  be,  and  never 
would  be,  used  to  the  detriment  of  the  company,  it  was  nevertheless 
deemed  important  by  many  of  them,  that  the  views  of  the  governor  and 
conned  should,  as  far  as  practicable,  be  known  on  this  subject  before  any 
definite  action  was  had  for  the  organization  of  a  company.  A  committee 
was  accordingly  appointed  to  wait  on  his  Excellency ;  who,  in  the  dis- 
charge of  that  duty,  have  recently  obtained  from  the  Executive  depart- 
ment the  following  communication : 


( 


SECRETARV'i  OFFICE,  Montreal,  13/A  August,  1849. 

Gentlemen — In  rnply  to  your  communication  of  the  9th  Inst,  to  Mr.  Secretary 
Leslie,  for  the  purposo  of  asccrtaininjf  the  views  of  the  Provincial  Government,  rel- 
ative  to  the  bcarinjf  of  the  clause  of  the  act  for  the  formation  of  a  company  to  con. 
nect,  by  canal,  the  waters  «)f  Lake  Chnni|)lain  and  the  St  Lawrence,  and  requesting 
all  assurance  that  any  line  or  tcrniinii,  which  the  Directors  of  any  such  company 
may  adopt,  will  ho  approved  of  by  the  Government,  I  am  commanded  by  his  Ex- 
cellency, the  Governor  (Jeneral,  to  say  that  with  the  most  anxious  desire  to  facili- 
tate the  proceedings  of  any  conipuiiy  wliich  may  be  formed  for  carrying  out  an 
object  of  so  much  importance,  to  the  Province,  as  th.-it  of  connecting  the  St  Law- 
rence with  the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain,  His  Excellency  regrets  that  it  is  not  in 
the  power  of  the  Executive  to  divest  itself  of,  and  transfer  to  others,  a  responsibility 
imposed  upon  it  by  the  Legislature. 

His  Excellency  will,  however,  immediately  cause  some  competent  person  to  bo 
appointed  for  the  purpose  of  proceeding,  in  connection  with  such  engineers  as  may 
be  employed  by  those  whom  you  represent,  to  survey  the  various  lines  which  may 
be  proposed,  in  order  that  the  requirement  «)f  the  Ud  section  of  the  act  above  referred 
to  may  be  fulfilled  with  the  least  possible  delay. 

I  arn  further  commanded  to  assure  you,  that  any  line  for  the  proposed  Canal, 
which  may  be  determined  upon  with  a  due  regard  to  the  local  advantages  of  the  site 
chosen,  and  to  the  general  interests  of  the  Province,  will,  upon  the  necessary  expla- 
nations being  given,  be  unhesitatingly  sanctioned  by  His  Excellency,  the  Governor 
General.  I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

J.  PARENT,  Clerk  of  Council. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  pursuant  to  a  previous  arrangement,  the  com- 
mittee, in  three  separate  divisions,  commenced  an  exploration  of  the 
country  lying  between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  St.  Lawrence  river ; 
together  with  that  portion  of  the  Chambly  canal  which  it  was  believed 
might  be  rendered  available  in  the  construction  of  the  proposed  work. 

Two  routes  only  were  particularly  presented  to  the  consideration  of 
the  committee  ;  one,  pursumg  tlie  line  of  the  Chambly  canal  for  six  or 
eight  miles,  and  entering  the  St,  Lawrence  at  Longueil,  a  little  below 
Montreal  on  the  opposite  side  of  tiie  river  ;  the  other,  pursuing  the  course 
of  the  Chambly  canal  to  the  same  point,  and  running  thence  in  a  west- 
erly course  to  the  Indian  village  of  Caughnawaga,  nine  miles  above 
Montreal.  The  first  mentioned  route  is  the  shortest,  so  far  as  construc- 
tion is  concerned  ;  embracing  a  distance  from  St.  Johns  to  the  St.  Law- 
rence of  twenty-three  miles  only.  This  route,  including  a  portion  of  the 
Chambly  canal,  will  require  a  lockage  of  76  feet,  to  reach  the  level  of 
the  river  at  Longueil ;  which  with  the  present  lockage  on  the  Lachine 
canal,  of  45  feet,  will  make  the  total  lockage,  descending  and  ascending, 
between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  St.  Lawrence  above  the  Lachine 
rapids,  121  feet.  The  other  route,  embracing  the  same  portion  of  the 
Chambly  canal,  will  be  about  33  miles  in  length  ;  with  a  lockage  of  only 
29  feet,  to  reach  the  same  point  on  the  St.  Lawrence  above  the  Lachine 
rapids. 

To  determine  which  of  these  routes  should  be  adopted,  the  committee 
are  of  opinion,  will  require  very  careful  surveys,  and  a  minute  examina- 
tion of  the  advantages  presented  by  each.  That  a  canal  of  the  proposed 
dimensions  can  be  made  on  either  of  these  routes,  and  perhaps  on  some 
other,  and  at  a  moderate  cost  compared  with  its  magnitude,  the  com- 
mittee have  no  doubt.  And  from  the  report  made  to  us  by  Mr.  Claxton, 
as  well  as  from  the  personal  observation  of  some  of  the  committee,  either 
of  these  two  routes  may  probably  be  shortened  four  or  five  miles.  The 
country,  indeed,  seems  to  be  of  a  most  favorable  character  for  such  a 
work ;  presenting  no  impediments  of  rock,  or  of  deep  cuttings,  or  impas- 
sible ravines,  but  exhibiting  an  almost  uniform  unbroken  level,  and  con- 


'M 


\ 


8 

sistinff  0*'  a  soil  peculiarly  adapted  to  canal  purposes.  The  amount  of 
water  too,  discharging  from  Lake  Champlain,  appears  to  be  not  only 
ample  for  the  purposes  of  the  canal,  but  also  sufficsent  for  very  extensive 
hydraulic  v/orks.  This  surplus  water,  owing  to  the  limited  water  power 
of  the  surrounding  country,  would  prove  a  source  of  considerable  revenue 
to  the  canal  company.  But  that  is  a  matter  of  minor  importance  com- 
pared with  what  the  committee  believe  would  be  the  earnings  ot  ttie 
canal  itself,  when  completed.  .  . 

One  source,  of  revenue,  from  the  canal,  anticipated  by  your  com- 
mittee, is  the  transportation  of  large  quantities  of  coal  Irom  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  other  states  situated  upon  our  great  western  lakes,  tor  ttie 
manufacture  of  iron ;  and  the  ira  iportation  of  such  iron  lor  the  use  ol 
the  western  states.  It  is  well  known  that  a  very  considerable  region  ot 
country  iu  Northern  New-York  is  filled  with  the  richest  and  mo^t  exten- 
sive beds  of  iron  ore  in  the  United  States;  or  perhaps  m  the  world. 
Many  of  these  beds  which  have  been  opened,  and  are  now  ueing  worked, 
arc  situated  upon  Ihe  very  borders  of  Lake  Champlam,  or  within  a  short 
distance  from  it.  The  prer,cnt  capabilities  of  the  iron  works  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  these  mines,  or  on  the  shores  of  the  lake,  are  about  bO.OOO  tons  ot 
irc^n  annnally;  the  production  of  which  quantity  of  iron  will  require 
about  120,000  tons  of  coal.  The  future  capabilities  of  these  extensive 
mines,  for  the  production  of  ore,  and  the  extent  to  which  iron  works  may 
be  erected  in  that  region,  where  water  power  is  so  abundant,  are  incal- 
culable ;  and  can  only  be  limited  by  the  wants  of  the  country.  1  he 
present  price  of  coal  at  Erie  is  from  !»il,50  to  $2  per  ton;  and  the  esti- 
mated price  of  towage  and  tolls,  supposing  it  to  be  the  same  on  this  as  on 
the  Welland  canal,  is  about  77  cents.  All  other  expenses  of  transporta- 
tion, to  points  upon  Lake  Champlain,  would  not  exceed  trom  75  to  lOU 
cents:  making  the  price  of  this  coal,  when  delivered  on  the  shores  ol 
Lake  Champlain.  only  from  $3.50  to  $3,75  per  ton.  This  is  much  less 
than  the  coal  can  be  obtained  for  from  any  other  quarter ;  especially 
when  the  wood  for  the  manufacture  of  charcoal  shall  have  been  cut 
off,  as  it  must  be  in  a  ve -v  few  years.  And  this  canal  by  opening  a 
direct  comn.unication  with  the  great  western  states,  and  the  fertile  re- 
gion of  Upper  Canada,  will  furnish  a  new  and  constant  y  increasing 
market  for  the  iron  of  N  ...-them  New-York ;  and  will  supply  return  car- 
goes for  the  vessels  which  bring  down  the  coal. 

Acrain;  connected  as  this  canal  would  be,  with  the  Ottawa,  as  wel  aa 
ot>-5r  rivers  which  flow  into  th'^  St.  Lawrence  either  above  or  below 
Mtrntreal,  the  shores  of  vvhicii  rivers  are  now  lined  with  immense  lorests 
of  the  most  valuable  pine  timber,  it  would  bring  to  Lake  Champlain,  and 
throucrh  '.he  Champlain  caral  to  the  Hudson  river,  the  product  ot  these 
forests ;  and  will  thus  cheapen  that  species  of  lumber,  which  Irom  its 
scarcity  is  now  commanding  exorbitant  prices.  This  of  itselt,  it  is  believed 
would  for  many  years  afford  a  very  handsome  revenue  to  the  canal  a 
large  branch  of  trade  would  also  be  opened  with  Newfoundland,  Labra- 
dor and  Nova  Scotia.  For  there  is  but  little  doubt,  that  their  hsh,  oil, 
ovpsum,  coal,  &c.  could  be  delivered  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  even  at 
Trov,  at  a  less  expense  for  transportation  than  the  same  articles  are  now 
delivered  at  these  points  bv  the  way  of  Boston  and  New  York.  But  when 
there  i.^  added  to  Uiis,  the  trade  of  Northern  Pennsylv-sinia,  from  Lake 
Erie,  the  trade  of  Ohio,  Michigan,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Wisconsin,  lo\va, 
Mincsota,  and  the  fertile  peninsula  of  Upper  Canada,  when  it  m  conpul- 
ered  that  the  lands  now  cultivated  in  this  extensive  region  of  country 
bear  but  a  small  proportion  to  the  wild  lands,  and  that  such  will  be  the 
aradual  increase  of  production  there,  that  the  Erie  and  Oswego  canals, 


%    •^' 


i 


u 


even  when  enlarged,  will  be  totally  inadequate  to  8uch  increaped  com- 
merce—there cannot  be  a  doubt  but  that  the  contemplated  canal  will  be 
constantly  adding  to  the  value  of  its  stock,  in  proportion  to  the 
increase  of  the  population  in  the  western  and  New  England  states 
and  in  the  Canadas.  By  this  single  improvement  steamers  and  ves- 
Bfls  from  all  the  uppe-  and  western  lakes,  as  well  as  Irom  the  gull  ol 
St.  Lawrence,  can  reach  Burlington,  Whitehall  and  all  the  other  porta 
on  Lake  Champlain  without  breaking  bulk.  The  flour,  pork,  beef,  coal, 
and  all  the  products  of  the  west  can,  by  means  of  the  rail-roads  now  in 
course  of  construction,  be  distributed  in  the  interior,  and  also  be  landed 
at  Boston,  at  a  less  expense,  with  less  depreciation  in  value  by  transport, 
and  in  a  shorter  period,  than  by  any  other  route.  To  pro  e  this  the 
committee  submit  the  following  comparative  rates  of  freight  furnished  by 
Mr.  Young  of  Montreal ;  which  your  committee  believe  will  be  lound 
generally  correct. 

Avcrpffe  rate  of  freiffht  for  flour  in  18 18,  on  the  Erie  Canal,  from 

BuflFalo  to  Albany 58  cents, 

Cle-'elund  to  Buflfdo ^     -ro     . 

AlbanytoNew  York •••••• ■; ,••  .^^^  ct.. 

Average  rate  of  freight,  at  present,  from  Cleveland  to  Montreal...  .W  centa. 

Montreal  to  New  York .io— b.")  cts. 

DifFercnec  in  favor  of  Lake  Champlain '  cenla. 

The  above  rate  of  30  cents  is  not  the  usual  rate ;  40  cents  may  be 
considered  the  average  this  and  last  season,  from  Cleveland,  but  there 
is  now  scarcely  any  back  freight. 

Cleveland  to  BostiM. 

Cleveland  to  Montreal JJ  cents. 

Montreal  to  Burlinffton l^     ^^ 

Burlington  to  Boston .iU—iocta. 

Cleveland  to  Albany '''* 

Albanv  to  Boston dU— 94ci3. 

Difference  in  favor  of  Lake  Champlain '»  cents. 

The  above  calculations  are  based  on  flour  being  transhipped  at  La- 
T)rairie.  thence  by  rail-road  14  miles  to  St.  Johns,  and  there  again  ship- 
ped in  ?chooners  to  Burlington.  .  ..      o*  T 

Comparison  of  the  above,  based  on  the  canal  to  connect  the  bt.  Law- 
rence and  Lake  Champlain  being  finished. 

Cleveland  to  New  YorJc. 

Cleveland  to  New  York 72  cents. 

Cleveland  to  Whitehall  direct,  probable  rate 4^ 

Whitehall  to  New  York in        ♦ 

In  favor  of  Lake  Champlain lU  cents. 

Cleveland  to  Boston. 

Clevelanr'  to  Albany VJ^ _^ 

Albany  to  Boston j^     ^^ 

Cleveland  to  Whitehall  or  Burlington 4o 

Burlington  to  Boston fo        , 

In  favor  d.  Lake  Champlain '^  c"'"- 

2 


10 


Up  freights  of  Merchandise  per  100  lbs. 

New  York  to  Troy 05  cents. 

Troy  to  IJiifFulo 3^ 

Buffalo  to  Cleveland 05—19 

New-York  to  VVhitchiill I-^' 

Whitehall  to  Cleveland 25—40 

In  favor  of  Lake  Chatnplain 09  cents. 

To  the  city  of  New  York,  the  constraction  of  this  work  is  of  the  great- 
est possible  importance.    With  the  Champlain  canal,  of  66  miles  to  Troy 
or  72  miles  to  Albany,  enlarged  to  the  same  size  as  the  proposed  canal, 
vessels  from  any  wetern  lal<e  port  could,  without  breaking  bulk,  dis- 
charge at  the  port  of  New  York  ;  and  could  there  re-load  with  emigrants 
and  merchandise  direct  for  the  west.     From  Lake  Erie  to  New  York,  by 
the  St.  Lawrence  and  Lake  Champlain,  there  would  be  about  19i  miles 
of  canal  navigation,  with  702,  or  796,  feet  lockage  ;  against  363  niiles  of 
canal  with  693  feet  lockage  by  the  way  of  the  Erie  canal.     In  the  one 
case  there  would  be  no  transhipment  from  die  lakes  to  New  York,  but  a 
continuous  water  communication;  affording   navigation  for  vessels  of 
350  tons  burthen.    In  the  other  case,  there  would  be  two  transshipments, 
and  by  the  present  size  of  our  canals  a  water  communication  navigable 
by  boats  of  75  tons  only.    It  must  also  be  borne  in  mind,  that  vessels  in 
descending  the  St.  Lawrence,  need  not  be  delayed  by  passing  through 
the  locks  on  that  river ;  as  loaded  vessels  may  now  descend  the  rapids 
in  safety,  and  are  only  compelled  to  use  the  locks  in  the  ascending  voy- 
ages.    In  estimating  the  probable  returns  for  stock  invested  in  the  propo- 
sed work,  your  committee  would  borrow  the  following  from  the  state- 
ment made  at  Troy,  by  Mr.  Young. 

"  The  season  of  184S  shews  by  official  documents,  that  the  total  move- 
ment on  the  Champlain  Canal  was  293,889  tons.  Of  this,  130,860  tons 
would  pass  through  the  proposed  canal.  The  "Customs"  at  St.  Johns 
show  that  150,554  tons  of  shipping  were  entered  inward,  and  151,071  tons 
outward  ;  in  all  301.625  tons.  The  total  amount  of  square  timber  ship- 
ped annually  from  auebec,  amounts  to  over  100,000  tons.  The  quantity 
of  wheat  and  flour  shipped  at  Buffalo,  Oswego  and  Black  Rock,  for  1848, 
amounted  to  363,112  tons.  Take  only  one-fourth  of  this  as  likely  to 
come  by  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  we  have  91,000  tons.  Besides  wheat 
and  flour,  there  are  about  127,000  tons  of  pork,  beef,  corn,  bacon,  butter, 
lard,  &c.,  of  which  one-fourth  would  be  32,000  tons.  Last  year  there 
were  84,872  tons  of  merchandise  shipped  westward  from  Buffalo  and 
Oswego ;  one  half  of  which  would  probably  go  by  the  new  canal,  say 
42,000  tons.  And  taking  without  any  positive  statistics  the  number  of  em- 
igrants goin^  west  at  100,000,  we  shall  proceed  to  estimate  the  amount 
of  revenue : 

130,800  tons  now  transported  on  Lake  Champlain,  principally  from 

Canada,  at  .50  cts  per  ton $G5,430 

1 00,000  tons  Timber  and  Boards,  at  50  cents  per  ton 50,000 

301,625  tons  Shipping,  at  present  coming  in,  and  going  out  at  St. 

Johns,  at  5  cents l.),081 

9 1 ,000  tons  Flour  and  Wheat,  likely  to  take  the  new  route,  at  50cts,  45,000 

32,000  tons  other  produce,  at  50  cents 16,000 

42,000  tons  upward  merchandise,  at  50  cents 25,000 

100,000  passengers,  at  15  centf ••  15,000 

$227,511 
Or  15  per  cent  interest  on  the  cost,  say  $1,500,000." 


11 

The  above  estimate  of  probable  revenue  on  the  canal,  seems  to  your 
committee  much  below  the  true  estimate.  For  instance,  it  is  now  under- 
Etood  that  within  the  last  two  months  there  has  been  purchased  in  Canada 
for  tiie  southern  market,  about  2,000,000  cubic  feet  of  white  pine  and  other 
lumber  ;  which  alone  is  40,000  tons.  And  we  have  no  doubt  tbat  during 
this  season,  there  will  pass  through  the  lake  from  Canada  100,000  tons 
of  square  timber  and  sawed  lumber. 

From  these  and  other  facts  which  might  be  stated,  it  appears  to  the 
committee  that  the  work  in  question  is  of  too  much  magnitude  not  to 
receive  the  attention  of  northern  and  southern  New  York,  and  northern 
New  England,  as  well  as  of  tiie  Canadas ;  and  viewed  as  a  source  of 
income  merely,  that  it  cannot  fail  of  richly  rewarding  those  who  embark 
in  its  construction.  Without  going  further  into  detail,  the  committee 
will  close  this  report  by  expressing  their  acknowledgments  to  the  gentie- 
nien  of  Montreal  and  St.  Johns,  for  the  facilities  and  polite  attentions 
received  from  them  during  their  examinations  ;  thus  rendering  the  excur- 
sion one  of  pleasure  rather  than  of  labor. 

R.  H.  WALWORTH,  Chairman, 
In  bchidt'of  the  Amciican  piul  of  the  Comiiiittcc. 


- 


F.  S»  ClaxtoN)  Esq.,  civil  engineer,  then  read  the  following  report 
made  by  him  to  the  committee. 

ENGINEER'S  REPORT. 

To  Chancellor  R.  II.  WALWonrii,  Gnn'l  H.  H  Ross,  L.  G  Canno.n,  Esq.,  C.  II. 
Russell,  Esq ,  G.  M.  Davison,  Esq.,  and  others,  committee. 

Gentlemen  : — 

You  were  pleased  at  a  meeting  of  your  committee  held  Jvdy  3 1st, 
to  direct  that  1  should,  after  examining  the  country  between  the' rivers 
Richelieu  and  St.  Lawrence,  report  to  you  my  opinion  of  the  feasibility 
of  uniting  the  waters  of  the  two  by  means  of  a  ship  canal. 

I  have  to  state,  that  as  far  as  time  and  opportunity  permitted,  I  have  ex- 
amined, partly  in  company  wiili  some  members  of  the  committee,  and  under 
the  guidance  of  the  gentlemen  representing  the  Montreal  interest,  a  route 
proposed  from  St.  Johns  to  Longueil,  five  miles  below  Montreal,  and  also 
one  from  St.  Johns  to  Caughnawaga,  some  ten  miles  above  the  same  city. 

To  both  of  these  lines  the  Cliambly  canal,  to  a  point  about  one  mile 
north  of  Halt's  mills,  a  distance  of  8^  miles,  is  common.  The  line  of  the 
Longueil  route  runs  thence  in  a  direct  line  to  the  village  of  that  name, 
and  terminates  at  or  near  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Atlantic  R.  R.  depot,  a 
distance  of  15}  miles,  with  a  fall  of  75  \ce.i.  The  line  of  the  Caughnawaga 
route,  as  surveyed  by  J.  B.  Mills,  Esq.,  runs  southwesterly  from  Hatl'e 
mills,  following  the  ridge  to  near  the  church  of  St.  Phillips,  and  thence 
northwesterly  to  the  village  of  Caughnawaga;  the  whole  iall  from  the 
Richelieu  to  the  St.  Lawrence  being  29  feet,  and  the  distance  from  tiie 
intersection  with  the  Chanibly  canal  23,''>',  miles. 

Before  entering  upon  any  comparison  oi  the  estimated  cost  and  advan- 
tages of  the  two  routes,  I  would  remark  that  the  gage  of  the  work  pro- 
posed is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Beauharnois  and  Lachine  canals,  viz. 
locks  200  feet  long,  45  wide,  Avith  nine  feet  water  on  the  mitre  sills  ;  width 
of  canal  at  bottom  SO  feet,  at  surface  120,  \  ei-sels  of  300  and  350  tons, 
and  drawing  8  or  8,V  feet  water  now  navigate  these  canals,  but  to  vessels 
of  that  tonnage  and'draft  the  river  Richelieu  below  the  Isle  auxNoix,  at 
low  water,  (such  as  at  the  time  this  reconnoisance  was  made,)  was  not 


12 


navigable ;  this  is  not  the  case  when  the  water  is  up,  or  during  the  early 
part°of  the  summer.  Mr.  Mills,  in  his  report,  suggests  the  removal  of 
the  obstructions  on  the  flats  by  dretlging;  and  estimates  that  the  same 
would  cost  $17,1S7.  I  at  first  supposed  that  by  the  erection  of  a  low 
dam  helow  tiie  bridge  at  St.  Johns,  the  necessity  of  dredging  would  be 
done  away  with  ;  but  the  damage  which  would  ensue  to  the  surrounding 
country,  during  the  high  water  of  the  spring,  renders  a  dam  unadvisable. 
I,  however,  see  no  reason  why  iron  standards  of  a  suitable  pattern,  and 
about  3  feet  in  height,  might  not  be  bolted,  about  15  feet  apart,  to  the 
rocks  which  form  the  bed  of  the  river,  and  flash  boards  used  to 
keep  the  water  at  such  a  level  as  may  be  deemed  advisable.  These 
flash  boards,  at  the  close  of  navigation,  could  readily  be  removed;  and 
no  obstruction  be  ottered  to  the  passage  of  the  water  in  times  of  freshet. 
Another  advantage  to  be  obtained  from  this  arrangement  is  the  raising 
of  the  level  of  the  first  reach  in  the  canal,  and  consequent  reduction  in 
the  expense  of  excavation. 

The  Chambly  canal,  as  I  before  staled,  is  common  to  both  routes;  and 
will  require  enlarging  to  nearly  double  its  present  capacity,  unless  it 
should  appear,  after  careful  examination,  that  the  line  can  be  more  ad- 
vantageously located  west   of  St.  Johns  ;  following  Wood's   creek   as 
far  as°advisable,  thence  passing  up  the  St.  Luc's  creek  and  north  of  the 
church,  and  intersecting  with  the  line  as  run  by  Mr.  Mills  near  Kennedy's 
inn.     This  line  is  some  4,^',j'o  ^"'••^^  shorter  than  the  <>ae  by  Hatt's  mills, 
and  the  land  damage,  consequent  on  the  enlargement  of  the  Chambly 
canal,  would  go  far  towards  equalizing  the  cost  of  the  two,  even  should 
it  appear  that  cutting  through  the  ridge  at  St,  Luc  was  more  expensive 
than  the  work  via  the  mills  ;  my  opinion  is  that  the  shorter  line  will  be 
found  the  more  economical.     Basing  my  estimate  upon  the  data  furn- 
ished me,  I  make  the  whole  cost  of  the  work  on  the  line  above  described 
from  St.  Johns  to  a  point  near  the  little  river  of  Montreal  $523,620, 
whilst  Mr.  Mills  makes  it,  as  per  his   survey,   $664,044;  showmg  a 
saving   in  the   cost  of  construction  of  $140,434,   and  in   distance   of 
4-y^  miles  less,    I  am    aiable  to  speak  as  positively  on  this  point  as  I 
would  wish,  but  judging  from  the  character  of  the  country,  and  after 
carefully  comparing  the  results  of  various  surveys,  I  hazard  the  opinion 
that  the  relative  cost  of  the  two  lines  will  not  vary  materially  from  the 
above.     For  your  information  and  guidance  I  shall  submit  the  estimated 
cost  of  the  route  to  Longueil,  of  that  to  Caughnavvaga  as  surveyed  by 
Mr,  Mills,  and  also  of  the  last  as  revised. 

Beginning  with  that  to  Longueil,  we  have  24^^^  miles  of  canal  with  a 
fall  of  74  feet,  requiring  nine  locks,  including  the  guard  lock  at  St,  Johns ; 
and  there  will  also  be  required  one  nqueduct  crossing  the  Montreal  river, 
and  a  breakwater  at  the  outlet  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  This  last  work  be- 
comes necessary  in  consequence  of  the  rapid  current  of  the  river;  which, 
according  to  the  charts  of  Capt,  Bayfield,  runs  at  an  average  velocity 
of  3i  miles  per  hour,  from  the  lower  extremity  of  St.  Helen's  Island  to 
the  point  selected. 

The  outlay  for  this  work  will  be 

For  cast  iron  standnrds  nnd  flash  boards  at  St.  Johns, J|i2..')G()  00 

Enlarfroinent  of  Chambly  canal oH?!!  nn 

Earllicxcavation,  rnain  nn 

Rock  excavation,  pait  in  river  and  outlet,... DU.uuu  uu 

Masonry,  locks '?Hm  oS 

])n       anuoduct, <>3.""'0  '"' 

Pier ' 28,000  00 

Carried  forward $1,490,470  00 


3t. 


i 


13 


it.. 


Brought  fomard, 1,490,470  00 

Culvert. J'T.^^. 

Slope  Wall 64.200  00 

Fencing 7.5<»0  00 

Bridging, ^•'^•'•"21!^ 

Grubbing  and  ditcbing,  &.C., 17,000  00 

Engineering  and  superintcndancc, 30,000  00 

$1,648,170  00 

Without  entering  into  details  I  will  state  that  the  route  from  St.  Johns 
to  Caughnawaga,  as  reported  by  Mr.  Mills,  is  ^2^%%  miles  long,  and  es- 
timated to  cost  $2,016,011;  to  this  should  be  added  the  cost  of  two  miles 
of  canal  not  included  in  his  estimate.  1  am  led  to  make  this  remark 
from  my  observations  at  Caughnawaga,  and  subsequent  inspection  of  the 
charts  of  Lake  St.  Louis.  In  the  accompanying  map  1  have  sketched  the 
position  of  the  shoals,  and  noted  the  velocity  oi'  the  current.  You  will  per- 
ceive that  a  canal  boat  or  sailing  vessel  failing  to  make  the  mouth  of  the 
canal  at  the  village,  (there  being  no  holding  ground,)  would  undoubtedly 
go  down  the  rapids;  and  hence  the  propriety  of  continuing  the  work  to 
where  the  access  is  easy  and  the  channel  direct  and  the  current  moderate. 
To  the  sum  above  given  add,  $68,200,  pro  rata  cost  of  two  miles,  and  we 
have  for  the  whole  cost  of  the  work,  via  Hatt's  Mills,  $2,084,211,60;  from 
this  sum  deduct  the  estimated  saving,  if  the  line  via  St.  Luc's  be  adopted, 
and  we  have  $1,943,787.     To  recapitulate. 

From  St.  Johns  to  Longueil,  24,Vo  miles,.. |^  1,648, 170 

From  St.  Johns  to  Caughnawaga,  including  exten- 
sion as  recommended,  34^^,*^  miles, 2,084,211 

From  St.  Johns  to  Caughnawaga  as  revised,  via 

St.  Luc's,  29//o  miles, 1,943,787 

I  am  of  the  opinion  that  these  estimates  are  much  too  large,  and 
that  on  a  definitive  location  of  the  line  a  saving  of  at  least  10  per 
cent  can  be  made ;  which  saving  will  be  increased  to  20  per  cent 
should  it  appear  that  the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain  can  be  kept  at  or 
near  high  water  mark.  Again,  the  estimated  cost  of  the  work  is  based 
upon  the  prices  piiid  by  the  board  of  works  upon  the  government  canals; 
which  are  doubtless  higher  than  any  association  of  individuals  would  be 
called  upon  to  give.  The  character  of  those  works  also,  whilst  they  are 
every  way  creditable  to  the  liberality  of  the  commissioner.^,  and  monu- 
ment.s  of  the  talent  and  taste  of  the  engineers  who  have  designed  and 
constructed  them,  are  finished  in  a  style  to  which  we  are  unaccustomed  ; 
and  which  is  incompatible  with  the  economy  we  have  ever  been  forced 
to  exercise  in  our  works  of  public  improvement.  A  still  further  reduc- 
tion might  therefore  be  safely  made  in  the  estimate,  and  no  apprehension 
entertained  that  it  would  be  insufficient  to  carry  out  the  enterprise  with- 
out impairing  the  efficiency  and  stability  of  th  ^   vork. 

But  as  it  cannot  be  expected  that  I  should  ;;,•>  ;  more  than  a  general 
idea  of  the  feasibility  of  the  plan,  and  an  approximate  estimate  of  the 
cost,  I  shall  content  myself  with  reporting  the  project  of  uniting  the  waters 
of  Lake  Champlain  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  by  means  of  a  ship  canal,  as 
not  only  feasible  but  easy  of  execution  ;  and  that  the  cost  of  the  respec- 
tive routes  will  not  exceed  the  sums  estimated. 

In  the  foregoing  I  have  alluded  to  two  routes,  one  discharging  below 
and  the  other  above  Montreal,  the  respective  merits  and  commercial  ad- 
vantages of  which  it  is  for  you  to  consider.    I  will  only  state  that  the 


14 

line  to  Longueil  is  the  less  expensive,  but  it  entails  upon  all  freight  from 
above  Montreal  via  Lachine,  87  feet  additional  lockage,  and  near  nine 
miles  increased  distance  j  nor  will  the  trade  below  the  city  be  greatly 
benefited,  inasmuch  as  the  dam  and  lock  at  St.  Ours  in  the  river  Riche- 
lieu, are  now  being  repaired  and  enlarged,  and  will,  when  complete, 
accommodate  all  the  trade  between  the  lake  and  the  river  below 
Montreal.  Those  who  advocate  this  route  are,  however,  confident  that 
they  can  make  it  apparent  to  all  that  it  is  to  be  jjreferred.  In  an  engi- 
neering point  of  view  it  presents  no  difficulties  or  obstacles. 

I  have  to  express  my  grateful  acknowledgments  to  the  Hon.  Col. 
Tache,  John  Boi..on,  Esq.,  the  Secretary  of  the  Atlantic  and  St.  Lawrence 
Railroad,  and  Sam'l  Keefer,  Eng.  Board  of  Works,  for  many  documents 
most  kindly  furnished  me.  and  much  valuable  information ;  also  to  Messrs. 
D'Barrats,  Young  and  Ostell,  of  Montreal,  without  whose  aid  and  assist- 
ance I  should  have  been  unable,  during  my  brief  visit,  to  collect  the  data 
I  required,  and  which  could  only  through  their  influence  be  obtained. 

I  am.  gentlemen,  respectfully, 

F.  S.  CLAXTON,  Engineer. 

Cohoes,  Aug.  2Ut,  1849. 


1 


L 


It  was  then  moved  by  L.  G.  Cannon,  Esq.  of  Troy,  seconded  by  G. 
M.  Davison,  Esq.  of  Saratoga  Springs,  that  the  reports  now  read  be  re- 
ceived, and  that  three  hundred  copies  of  the  same  be  printed  for  circu- 
lation. 

After  some  explanations  offered,  by  the  Hon.  Mr.  Morin  and  Ira 
Gould,  Esq.  of  Canada,  with  reference  to  the  necessary  delay  in  obtain- 
ing reliable  statistical  information  to  complete  the  report  of  the  Canadian 
portion  of  the  committee,  it  was  moved  by  Ira  Gould,  Esq.,  seconded  by 
John  Glass,  Esq.  of  Montreal,  that  the  report  hereafter  to  be  furnished 
by  the  committee  from  Canada,  containing  their  views  of  the  proposed 
canal,  and  the  particulars  of  the  trade  likely  to  be  done  thereon,  be  pub- 
lished with  the  reports  now  read. 

It  was  then  moved  by  the  Hon.  A.  M.  Morin,  and  seconded  by  Maj. 
Gen.  Wool,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  meeting  it  is  desirable  that  the 
several  routes  for  the  proposed  canal  be  surveyed  under  the  direction 
of  experienced  engineers,  and  that  a  subscription  be  opened  to  defray 
the  expense  of  the  same,  as  well  as  any  other  expenses  which  may  be 
incurred  for  printing  or  otherwise.  After  a  lengthy  discussion,  it  was 
moved  by  Cha's  Adams,  Esq,  of  Burlington,  and  seconded  by  Le  Grand 
Cannon,  Esq,  of  Troy,  that  this  motion  be  laid  on  the  table. 

A  recess  was  then  had  urttil  half  past  four,  at  which  time  the  meeting 
being  again  called  to  order,  the  previous  proceedings  of  this  convention 
were  read. 

The  motion  which  was  laid  on  the  table  prior  to  the  recess  was  then 
taken  up  and  discussed  at  considerable  length,  after  which  being  put  to 
the  meeting,  it  was  passed  unanimously. 


1 


L 


4 


I 


1 


15 

It  was  then  moved  by  Judge  FoUett  of  Burlington,  seconded  by  John 
Glass,  Esq., 

Resolved,  That  an  executive  committee  of  fifteen  be  appointed  to  carry 
out  the  preceding  resolution,  and  to  manage  and  direct  the  survey,  and 
take  all  other  means  which  they  may  deem  necessary  to  carry  out  suc- 
cessfully the  construction  of  the  canal ;  that  they  appoint,  if  they  see  fit, 
a  general  agent,  with  a  salary,  to  aid  them  in  their  labors;  that  they  are 
hereby  authorized  to  call  another  public  meeting  at  such  time  and  place 
as  may  be  found  most  advisable  ;   and  that  this  committee  do  consist  of 

Charles  H.  Russel,  Esq.,  of  New-York; 

T.  B.  BiGELOW,  Esq.,  of  Boston; 

Gen'l  J.  T.  Cooper,  of  Albany  j 

L.  G.  Cannon,  Esq.,  of  Troy  ; 

G.  M.  Davison,  Esq.,  of  Saratoga  Springs ; 

John  H.  Boyd,  Esq.,  of  Whitehall; 

A.  A.  Burton,  Esq.,  of  St.  Albans ; 

F.  H.  Jackson,  Esq.,  of  Westport; 

Daniel  Lyons,  Esq.,  of  Burlington; 

Gen'l  H.  H.  Ross,  of  Essex; 

Jason  C.  Pierce,  Esq.,  of  St.  Johns; 

John  Ostell,  Esq.,      > 

Ira  Gould,  Esq.,  ' 

John  Glass,  Esq.  and 

John  YoiJng,  Esq., 
A  motion  having  been  made  to  reconsider  the  previous  resolution  as 
to  the  printing  of  the  reports,  which  being  granted,  it  was  moved  by 
Chancellor  Wahvorth  and  seconded  by  John  Young,  Esq.,  that  G.  M. 
Davison,  Esq.  be  appointed  a  conmiittee  to  superintend  the  publication 
of  the  proceedings  had  this  day;  and  that  under  his  direction  500  copies 
of  the  same,  including  the  reports,  with  the  report  hereafter  to  be  pre- 
sented by  the  Montreal  committee,  be  printed  and  distributed. 

It  was  then  moved  by  John  Adams,  Esq.,  seconded  by  J.  C.  Pierce, 
Esq.,  that  Maj.  Gen'l  Wool  do  vacate  the  chair,  and  that  the  Hon.  A.  M. 
Morin,  Vice  President,  take  the  same. 

It  was  thereupon  moved  by  John  Adams,  Esq.  and  seconded  by  Hon.  P. 
McGill,  that  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  are  due  to  Maj.  Gen'l  J.  E.  Wool 
for  the  zealous  and  able  manner  in  which  he  has  presided  over  this  meet- 
ing, which  was  unanimously  passed  ;  upon  which  Maj.  Gen'l  W^ool  ex- 
pressed his  acknowledgments  in  a  brief  speech. 

Thanks  being  then  presented  to  the  Secretaries,  the  meeting  was  ad- 
journed. 


S 


of  Montreal. 


JOHN  E.  WOOL,  President. 


John  Ostell,      }  o  ^    *     •.„ 
F.H.Jackson,  \S''<^''^t"ries. 


^ 


APPENDIX. 


TiiE  committee  appointed  by  the  delegates  from  Canada,  in  accordance  with  the 
second  resolution  passed  at  the  meeting  held  at  Saratoga  Springs  on  the  21  st  insl,, 
for  the  purpose  of  supplying  additional  information  as  to  the  traffic  which  the  east- 
ern and  ocean  trade  will  probably  contribute  to  the  proposed  canal  for  connecting 
the  St.  Lawrence  with  Lake  Champlain,  have  the  honor  to 

REPORT : 

That  it  appears  essential,  in  order  to  secure  this  traffic,  (the  advantages  of  which 
will  be  presently  detailed,)  that  the  St.  Lawrence  terminus  of  the  proposed  canal  bo 
placed  at  a  point  accessible  alike  to  vessels  from  the  east,  and  from  sea;  as  well  as 
from  the  west.  There  is  no  good  reason  to  supftose  that  any  important  prjrtion  of 
the  western  or  Ottawa  trade  will  be  diverted  from  the  canal  by  such  a  location  of 
the  terminus,  while  the  eastern,  northeastern,  and  ocean  trade  to  Lake  Champlain 
and  the  circumjacent  states  will  be  turned  thereby  from  their  present  channels  and 
secured  to  the  proposed  canal ;  and  all  inducements  for  attempting  to  interfere  with 
the  profits  of  this  undertaking  by  the  construction  or  improvement  of  any  rival  chan- 
nel will  be  effectually  removed. 

In  proof  of  the  present  extent  and  prospective  importance  of  this  eastern  traffic, 
the  following  extracts  from  official  returns  are  submitted,  and  coming  from  such  a 
source,  can  be  relied  upon  as  accurate  and  trustworthy.  The  tables  annexed, 
marked  B.  and  C.  exhibit  the  quantity  of  goods  imported  from  the  United  States  by 
inland  ports,  during  the  fiscal  years  1847  and  1848.  This  trade  is  certain  to  in- 
crease as  the  facilities  for  transportation  are  augmented  ;  and  it  should  here  be  ob- 
served that  the  year  1848,  being  one  of  great  commercial  depression,  is  far  from  a 
fair  criterion  as  to  what  the  import  business  of  the  province  would  be  under  more 
favorable  circumstances.  Of  the  foregoing  imports  as  per  tables  B.  and  C,  the  pro- 
portions entered  at  the  port  of  St,  Johns  alone,  and  destined  almost  exclusively  for 
Montreal  and  Eastern  Canada,  are  as  follows:  Their  values — 

In  the  year  1847,  amount  to £412,655 

or $1,650,621 

"  "     1848,        "      to , i;439,344 

or ,$1,757,377 

The  freight  account  for  goods  carried  by  the  Laprairie  '      'lamplain  Rail- Road 

amounted  during  the  same  periods — say  for  1847 $31,032 

"     "  1848, $32,347 

3 


18 


It  is  fair  loorcsumc  Ihat  all  goodn  irnporlcd  from  the  United  Slates  to  Cunadii 
East  would  |iu8s  ihrou({li  the  proposed  canal  if  properly  located,  as  well  as  a  very 
larire  propo'-lion  of  those  now  sent  tliroutjii  Onwego  to  Canada  West. 

Table  A.  (annexed)  exhibits  the  quantity  of  jjoods,  &.c.  exported  from  Canada  to 
the  United  Slates  by  inland  porta  during  the  fiscal  year  18  Iti, 

It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  this  table  rather  unilpr,  than  owr-rates  the  amount 
of  I'.iis  trade;  the  present  ad  valorem  duties  of  the  United  States  tariff  being  an  in- 
ducement  to  enter  goods  at  low  valuations,  or  even  to  evade  the  payment  of  dutica 
altogether. 

The  gross  valuation  of  the  exports  above  referred  to,  and  as  enumerated  in  said 
annexed  table,  (A.)  amounts  to  je772,432,  or  $.3,089,729,  to  which  may  be  fairly 
added  a  portion  of  the  trade  from  the  fisheries  to  the  United  States  now  carried  on 
through  Boston,  New-York,  and  New  Orleans,  amounting  probably  to  not  less  than 
XMOO.OOO,  or  $400,000. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  some  of  the  principal  articles  of  export  to  the  U.  States, 
and  of  the  values  thereof,  showing  a  vast  progressive  augmentation  in  this  trade,  wliicli 
must  be  further  annually  increased,  as  the  present  commercial  policy  of  Great 
Britain  tends  to  force  her  Canadian  subjects  to  seek  new  markets  for  those  products 
which  were  formerly  admitted  by  the  mother  country  on  terms  of  advantage  which 
no  longer  exist. 

There  was  exported  to  the  U.  States  in 

1847 

Of  Flour, i;24,722 

Butter, 1,016 

Ashes, 6,052 

Wool, 5,654 

Horses, 15,723 

Wheat, 9,121 


1848. 
9  3.. ..£310,695 

16  0 8,722 

0  0 43,000 

0  0 5,.324 

15  0 33,451 

15  0 03,127 


Lumber, not  known 159,551 


9  3 

6  0 

0  0 

16  1 

15  0 

5  6 

6  5 


i;62,590  15  3 
or  $250,363,05 


£623,872  18  3 
or  $2,495,491,65 


It  may  be  well  here  to  correct  the  Um  generally  received  opinion  that  the  lower, 
as  compared  with  the  upper,  province  is  barren  and  unproductive.  Lower  Canada, 
so  far  back  as  1802,  exported  to  Great  Britain  a  surplus  of  her  own  agricultural  pro- 
duce to  the  extent  of  1,010,033  bushels  wheat ;  28,301  barrels  flour;  22,051  cwt. 
biscuit ;  and  this,  when  Upper  Canada  was  in  its  infancy  and  unproductive.  In 
1831,  the  amount  of  wheat  grown  in  Lower  Canada  was  3,404,756  bushels;  the 
produce  of  all  grains  in  Canada  East  during  the  year  1844,  was  21,325,596  bush- 
els,  showing  a  much  nearer  approximation  with  the  agricultural  products  of  Canada 
West  than  is  generally  supposed.  The  county  of  Rimouaki— by  no  means  the  most 
favored  sjction  of  Lower  Canada— largely  engaged  in  lumbering  pursuits,  and  con- 
sequently to  a  great  extent  a  consuming  district— had  a  surplus  in  1845,  of  80,000 
bushels  of  wheat:  this  county,  containing  a  population  of  20,000  souls,  principally 
French,  and  situated  on  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  province,  will  serve  to 
exhibit   in   some  degree  the  capabilities  of  the  most  remote  portions  of  Canada 

East.  •      u    A        • 

With  reference  to  the  eastern  lumber  trade— assuming  the  estimate  in  the  Ameri- 
can delegates'  report,  say  40,000,000  superficial  feet  for  this  season's  export— we 
may  set  down  12  to  14,000,000  feet,  or  one  third  of  the  whole  quantity,  to  be  square 
timber ;  of  the  remaining  two  thirds,  of  sawed  lumber,  a  large  proportion  cornea 
from  the  St.  Lawrence  and  its  tributaries  below  Montreal,  even  from  the  distant 
Saguenay.  From  one  establishment  alone  at  Riviere  du  Loup,  eleven  American 
craft  were  at  one  time  this  season  receiving  lumber  for  Lake  Champlain,  and  during 
the  season  thirty-six  vessels  have  already  received  cargoes  for  Troy  from  that  place, 
and  preparations  arc  making  for  more  extensive  transactions  in  those  districts;  thus 
showing  what  may  be  expected  from  the  eastern  trade,  if  the  canal  be  made  of  a 
capacity  and  at  a  point  suited  to  its  wants  ;  the  present  Chambly  Canal  being  alto- 
gether inadequate  to  the  requirements  of  this  branch  of  commerce. 


V 

I 

f 

I 


I 


19 


W 


n,  a  very  extensive  and  highly  intelligent  lumber  niercliant  on  the  Otta- 
los  tiienuiinlilv  <if  sawed  stuff  produced  on  that  river  and  its  tributarica 


Mr.  Egan, 
wa,  estimatos  tlic  quantity  ot  saweu  stun  pr 
at  94,800,000  superficial  feel,  and  adds  that  over  and  al)ovc  tiiis  quantity,  the  deals 
cut  below  Montreal  and  Quebi;c,  down  to  Matanrc,  arc  at  least  three  times  as  ma- 
ny ;  thus  givinjr  284,100,01)0  superficial  feet  as  the  produce  of  mills  along  the  St. 
Lawrence  from  Montreal  to  Matarce. 

As  sawed  lumber  will  bo  nniong  the  chief  articles  of  revenue  to  the  proposed  ca- 
nal, it  becomes  of  paramount  ini|)oria.'ec  to  secure  the  traffic  arising  from  t!ie  enor- 
mous supply  which  eastern  (Innnda  can  furnish,  a  result  hardly  attainable,  if  the 
rapids  o|)posite  Montreal  and  L'lehine  interpose  as  obstacles  thereto. 

But  our  observations  must  not  be  limited  to  the  actual  extent  of  the  present  trade 
in  any  article,  or  confined  to  the  objects  which  are  at  present  dealt  in  and  trans- 
ported through  our  waters.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  opening  out  of  this  com- 
munication will  give  rise  to  trade  from  the  ocean  and  the  lower  provinces,  altogether 
novel  in  its  nature  and  far  exceeding  in  amount  the  expectations  of  its  most  san- 
guine advocates  ;  which  will  also  add  to  the  upward  freight  of  those  vessrU  bring- 
ing down  the  products  of  the  far  west,  by  furnishing  many  articles  at  a  cheap  rats 
which  cannot  be  advantageously  supplied  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  which  can  best 
be  furnished  at  a  point  wliere  vessels  from  sea  and  tlie  interior  can  meet,  and  if  re- 
quired exchange  cargoes.  The  advantages  and  eeononiy  of  such  an  operation  re- 
quire no  comment,  and  it  will  at  once  be  perceived  that  all  augmentation  tu  the 
upward  fieight  must  cause  a  proportionate  reduction  in  the  price  of  freight  de- 
scending. 

Taking  the  four  ycarg  from  1844  to  1847,  the  number  of  arrivals  from  sea  at 
Qucljcc  and  Montreal  was  5,307  vessels,  giving  a  total  tonnage  of  2,06(i,4.St5,  or  an 
average  per  annum  of  1327  vessels  of  3dU  tons  each.  Now  of  these  1327  vessels 
per  annum,  a  profiortion  equal  at  least  to  1000  vessels  arrive  in  ballast  or  so  nearly 
so  as  to  render  it  an  easy  matter  to  obtain  fieight  from  Europe  by  them  at  a  very  re- 
duccd  rate,  provided  ..rticlcs  for  shipment  should  otTur.  Calculating  the  capacity  of 
these  vessels  on  their  outward  voyage  at  389,000  tons,  it  will  be  readily  ctmceded 
that  goods  and  passengers  to  that  extent  of  tonnage  may  be  brought  from  Europe 
at  so  low  a  rate  as  to  ensure  (beyond  what  can  be  supplied  from  Lake  Cham- 
|)lain.)  a  large  amount  of  return  freight  to  the  vessels  bringing  down  the  western 
produce. 

During  the  season  of  1847,  there  arrived  at  the  port  of  Quebec  90,150  emigrants, 
in  the  year  1848,  27,939,  and  this  present  season  up  to  the  25th  instant  33,033. 
During  the  year  1848,  4000  emigrants  proceeded  from  Canada  to  the  U.  States  by 
the  way  of  Lake  Cham[)lain. 

Among  the  articles  which  can  be  supplied  through  the  St.  Lawrence  may  be  enu- 
merated, pig  iron,  rail-road  iron,  of  which  large  quantities  (from  12  to  14,000  tons) 
have  to  bo  shipped  westward  from  Quebec  this  season,  and  had  the  cheapness  of 
the  route  been  known,  a  much  larger  quantity  would  have  come  this  way,  salt,  crock- 
ery in  crates,  fish,  oils  and  paints,  liquors  of  all  descriptions,  European  bale  goods, 
and  even  East  and  West  India  produce ;  for  what  is  to  prevent  under  the  new  nav- 
igation law,  so  liberal  towards  strangers,  an  enterprising  merchant  of  Boston  or 
New-York,  consigning  his  vessels,  freighted  with  teas,  sugars,  and  other  articles,  to 
his  correspondents  and  customers  on  the  western  lakes  or  Lake  Champlain. 

A  vast  number  of  products  from  the  lower  provinces  might  be  enumerated,  as 
likely  to  produce  a  profitable  trade  with  Lake  Champlain  and  the  northern  and  east- 
ern sections  of  the  Union,  but  no  exact  data  exists  to  predicate  the  probatile  amount ; 
it  may  suffice  to  mention  some  of  the  most  important? 

The  articles  of  coal  and  gypsum  form  a  prominent  feature  in  furnishing  freight  on 
water  communications,  wlienever  they  are  required  in  sufficient  quantities,  and  can 
be  produced  at  rates  which  will  bear  the  additional  cost  of  transportation. 

An  excellent  article  of  coal  is  now  produced  in  unlimited  quantities  at  Pictou, 
from  mines  connected  with  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  by  a  rail-roud  six  miles  in 
length,  and  it  may  fairly  be  supposed  can  be  delivered  on  board  of  craft  at  as  low 
a  rate  s'?  at  any  othi-r  jmint  on  this  continent.  From  thence  the  waters  .ire  free 
until  connecting  with  the  proposed  canal,  through  which  it  can  be  furnished  to  the 
numerous  iron  works  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain,  at  rates  which  will  compare 
favorably  with  the  cost  of  it  from  any  other  locality.     Already  cargoes  of  this  coal 


20 

have  been  laid  down  in  Montreal  nt  the  co«l  of  $3,25  per  ton  ;  and  a  deduction'msv 
without  doiilit  he  looked  for,  hy  on  increased  demand  ;  and  Knglish  coals  are  at  thta 
time  bcintf  furniHhcd  at  the  city  of  Kinj^Hton  by  the  way  of  the  St.  Lawrence  at  $S 
per  ton,  being  (ho  cheapest  route  for  obtaining  coals  at  tha*  place. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  gypsum  from  the  Ifedw  in  Nova  Scotia, of  which  large  ship- 
ments are  now  made  via  the  city  of  New- Vork  into  the  «litf<Tent  states,  including  New- 
York.  Notwithstanding  the  extensive  beds  to  be  found  in  the  western  part  of  that 
Btute,  which  yi(!ld  most  extensive  supplies,  it  is  believed  that  the  state  of  Vermont, 
and  that  portion  of  the  state  of  New-York  bordering  up(3n  LakeCUiamplain,  wiiich 
now  get  their  supply  via  New- York  and  the  Whitehall  canal,  can  be  furnished  at  a 
greatly  reduced  price  by  way  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  through  the  intended  canal. 
Gypsum  now  being  laid  down  at  ports  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence  as  low  as  )$3  per 
ton,  at  which  price  it  is  estimated  that  it  might  be  delivered  at  Montreal,  or  more 
probably  at  rirills  which  would  be  constructed  by  employing  the  immense  water 
power  created  at  the  junction  of  this  canal  with  the  St.  Lawrence;  or  at  a  trifling 
addition  in  freight  in  Burlington  or  other  points  on  the  lake  where  water  power  can 
advantageously  be  had  for  grinding. 

Li  the  article  of  fish  the  following  table  shows  the  cxpf)rts  thereof  from  Halifax 
alone  (indriiendcnt  of  the  Gulf  and  Newfoundland  fisheries)  during  the  years  1847 
and  184a. 


Salmon.     Mackernl.     Herrings. 

Bbia.        mis.         mis: 
5,598  171,397   15,761 


4,1  C3  169,630   20,092 


1847. 

Do.  Riuoked.         Oil. 
Boxes.  IVtls. 

8,273  5,550 

1S48. 
10,136  4,726 


Codfisli.      Haildock.      Cod  Oil. 

Qtls.  Qtls.  Cask. 

210,285     29,415        4,422 


183,271      14,370        2,811 


There  was  expected  to  the  United  States  alone  upwards  of  131,000  barrels  of 
Mackerel  during  the  season  of  1847.  It  is  an  undisputed  fact  that  the  lower  shores 
from  the  Shediac  in  Northumberland  to  Dalhousie  on  the  bay  of  Chalcurs  abound 
with  an  enormous  quantity  of  the  finest  fish  ;  which  only  requires  increased  facilities 
of  transportation  to  ensure  the  cstablislunent  of  regular  organized  fisheries,  and  a 
thriving  trade  therein  ;  the  glaring  neglect,  and  unsatisfactory  prosecution  of  .so  rich 
a  branch  of  industry,  is  apparent  to  the  most  casual  observer,  so  much  so  that  not 
only  are  the  herrings  and  other  fish  used  very  extensively  in  these  districts  for  ma- 
nure, but  even  the  capelans  serving  for  the  food  and  maintenance  of  the  Cod,  are 
similarly  destroyed. 

The  capitalist  will  however  naturally  inquire  in  addition  to  the  amount  of  trade 
that  can  reasonably  be  expected  to  be  created  by  this  new  channel  of  commerce, 
what  amount  of  the  already  existing  business  between  the  two  countries  can  be 
calculated  upon  to  afford  a  fair  return  for  investment ;  the  sources  from  which  such 
revenue  are  derived  are  so  varied,  and  extended  in  their  limits,  that  it  would  require 
a  great  amount  of  labor  to  collect  and  make  out  a  calculation  which  should  approx- 
imate to  the  truth ;  but  it  can  be  stated  with  the  utmost  confidence  that  of  all  the 
extensive  and  important  traffic  above  enumerated,  as  well  as  of  the  vast  anticipated 
trade  to  grow  out  of  the  completion  of  this  great  undertaking,  at  least  three-fourths 
will  find  a  route  through  its  channels;  and  ultimately  it  will  attract  to  itself  the  bulk 
of  the  whole  exi.sting  trade,  as  well  as  that  which  would  naturally  and  necessarily 
grow  up  in  consequence  of  the  very  grca*  (tcijiti  ?s  which  would  attend  it  and  which 
liavc  already  been  fully  enlarged  upon  in  this  .eport. 

It  may  be  urged  that  bringing  the  tcrmi;.!  is  s  .■•  "  point  so  low  as  to  secure  the  trade 
of  Montreal  and  Canada  East,  as  well  ?•  toer.ii  >'e  tnU  lake  and  sea-going  vessels  to 
meet  and  exchange  cargoes,  may  deprive  ..he  caiial  of  some  of  the  western  and  Ot- 
tawa trade  ;  this  cannot  be  the  case;  the  only  competitor  to  be  taken  account  of 
would  be  the  Ogdensburg  Rail-Road  when  completed.  As  far  as  the  articles  of 
timber  and  sawed  lumber  are  concerned,  no  rail-road  can  profitably  carry  the  same 
in  comparison  with  water  communication.  And  if  the  argument  so  forcibly  and  prom- 
inently put  forward  by  the  American  committee  be  sound,  viz.  that  the  products  of 
the  west  increase  with  such  enormous  rapidity  as  to  require  every  possible  outlet 


i 


91 


T 


that  can  h«  m>idp  for  their  transport,  there  can  be  no  reawn  to  fear  that  cither  the 
canal  or  the  rail-road  will  luck  sufficient  emf)!ojment ;  ulthouf^h  under  any  circum- 
stances the  advantages  of  a  caniil  in  the  lran«|y»rt  of  flour  and  other  produce,  avoidin|{ 
transshipment,  waste,  expfisure,  and  injury  to  puckugcs,  are  too  apparent  to  admit  a 
douht  as  to  which  will  be  found  most  eligible. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

THOMAS  RYAN, 
Chuirmun  of  Committee. 
Montreal,  August  30,  1819. 


f 

i 


lit 


TABLE  A. 
EXPORTS  FROM  CANADA,  BY  INLAND  PURTS, 

During  the  year  1848,  mth  the  Values  as  declared  at  tlie  several  Custovi  Hovses. 


PR 

ODUCE  ( 

DP  THE  FOREST. 

aUANTITIES. 

ARTICLES. 

Feet, 

VALUE. 

Boards,          ... 

-          3'B,83l 

10,354 

3 

11 

Cedar  Posts, ... 

Cords, 

128,  and  Cribs  G 

154 

0 

0 

Hop  Poles,    -        .        - 

Q,uantitv  not  given. 

9 

12 

3 

Laths,            ... 

Feet, 

3,000 

. 

Lumber,  (Sawn)   - 

do. 

-  57,761,196 

l'^i,397 

1 

3 

Do.      Walnut,  - 

tlo. 

6,000 

10 

10 

0 

Pine,     -        -        -        . 

Pieces, 

17,133 

127 

18 

0 

Do.      -        -        ■        - 

Feet, 

1,760 

17 

10 

0 

Saw  Logs,     - 

- 

No.  3483 ;  Cords,  33 ;    > 
Feet,  1,075,288  : 

4,901 

2 

9 

Scantling, 

Pieces, 

12,603 

5i 

19 

3 

Shingles,       .        .,        . 

- 

-      No.  6,744,000 

2,638 

5 

0 

Do.             ... 

Bundles, 

15,644j 

3,030 

14 

9 

Shingle  Wood, 

Feet, 

-     1,557,000 

390 

0 

0 

Do.        do. 

Cords, 

191 

143 

5 

0 

Shingle  Bolts, 

do. 

612 

456 

0 

0 

Spars,            .        .        - 

Pieces, 

764 

955 

0 

0 

Spruce, 

do. 

921 

7 

6 

9 

Staves,  Cooper's,  - 

Cords, 

-       -       -           1,277 

638 

10 

0 

Do.     Other, 

Pieces, 

377,587 

616 

8 

0 

Do.     Other, 

- 

-     W.  L85;  Puns.  16 

585 

0 

0 

Rail-road  Ties, 

- 

Quantity  not  given. 

3,836 

4 

0 

Wood,  Fire, 

Cords, 

6,990 

2,485 

7    6 

Do.    not  described,     - 

- 

Ft.  242,700;  Ps.  7460;  ) 
Cords,  133  \ 

2,742 

8 
6 

0 

£159,551 

5 

AGRICULTURAL  PRODUCTIONS,  &C. 


ARTICLES. 


Apples, 

Ashes,  Pots,    - 
Do.     Pearls, 
Do.     Leached, 

Barley,    - 

Bran, 

Butter,    - 

Cider,      - 

Eggs, 

Fla\  Seed,      - 

Flour,     - 

Grass  Seed, 

Hops, 

Linseed, 

Lard, 

Maize,     - 

Meal,  all  kinds, 

Oats, 

Onions,   - 

Peas, 

Potatoes, 

Rape  Seed, 

Rye,         .        - 

Salted  Meats,  - 

Salts  of  Leys,  - 
Timothy  Seed, 
Wheat,  - 
Wool,      - 


Bushe 


Tons, 

Bushels, 

Tons, 


Gallons, 
Dozens, 
Bushels, 
Barrels, 

Lbs. 
Bushels, 
Kegs, 
Bushels, 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 

do. 


do. 
do. 
Lbs. 


QUANTITIES. 

VALUE. 

8,511 

252 

10 

0 

Barrels,  7,256;  Bush.  96;  Cwt.  85j 

41,086 

9 

8 

Tons,  35;  Cwt.  1,138;  Barrels,  39 

2,014 

4 

2 

265 

28 

13 

9 

11,156 

1,027 

0 

0 

195 

219 

0 

0 

Lbs.  113,237;  Firkin.s,  163;         \ 

Tubs,  118;  Kegs,  2,838  i 

8,722 

6 

0 

306 

84 

0 

0 

8,756 

134 

18 

6 

ll,790i 

3,005 

15 

0 

277,031  ;  and  Cwt.  14 

310,695 

9 

3 

Bushels.  1712;  and  Barrels,  5,436 

1,526 

n 

9 

42,978 

348 

15 

0 

200 

42 

0 

0 

176 

212 

10 

0 

2,941 

442 

14 

0 

986 

842 

7 

6 

43,234 

2,517 

18 

4 

16 

I 

10 

0 

27,561 

3,514 

5 

0 

535 

35 

9 

9 

15 

2 

15 

0 

2.703 

159 

12 

3 

Cwl.  494— 3— 24;  Barrels,  2,31 5;  > 
Packages,  473  ) 

7,276 

0 

0 

797 

14 

3 

2,555 

907 

10 

0 

297,011 

63,127 

5 

6 

-      126,827 

5,324 

16 

"o 

1 

£454,350 

9 

I 


^ 


i 


\ 


I 


T 


i 


I 


TABLE  A.— continued. 
EXPOflTS  FROM  CANADA,  BY  INLAND  PORTS, 

During  the  ya,  IS  18,  with  the  Values  as  declared  at  the  several  Custom  Houses. 


ARTICLES. 

va:.ue. 

Live  Stock. 

Anirriiils  not  snecified 

9,400 

15 

0 

Cattlu,  Horned,  No.  aCja, 

10,565 

2 

6 

Horses,  No.  3100, 

33,451 

15 

0 

Sheep,  a234,  ^od4  5s.;  Swine,  148;  £231  10 

825 

15 

0 

£54,243 

7 

6 

Sundries  over  £10,000. 

' 

Specie,          

36,400 

5 

0 

Sheep  Skins,        

19,822 

14 

6 

Furs,            

10,641 

lo 

16 

11 

£66,864 

5 

Su.NDRIES  OVER  jC5,000. 

■ 

Private  Effects,           

9.365 

0 

0 

Sundries  not  classed,          

6,727 

18 

8 

£16,092 

18 

8 

Sundries  over  £1,000. 

Skins,           

4,263 

18 

0 

Fish 

3,698 

11 

5 

Iron  ul' all  kinds 

3,243 

12 

8 

Hardware,           

2,124 

19 

6 

Rags,            

1,905 

6 

6 

£15,236 

8 

I 

Sundries  over  jEoOO. 

Whiskey,  2524  Barrels, 

762 

5 

0 

Furniture 

562 

10 

\j 

Salt, 

510 

5 

"o 

6 

£1,835 

0 

Sundries  over  £100. 

~ 

~ 

Bees  Wa.x, 

100 

15 

9 

Bricks,  316,003 

349 

15 

0 

Copper.Old, 

120 

5 

u 

Carriages, 

168 

0 

0 

Lasts, 

239 

10 

1 

Candles,  140  Boxes,           

245 

0 

0 

Horns, 

249 

0 

0 

Lime, 

354 

15 

11 

Soap. 

133 

0 

Starch,  402  Bo.xes, 

341 

14 

Wagons,       

288 

U 

Woollens,...          

379 

11 
~6 

0 

1 

£2.969 

10 

Sundries  UNDER  £100, 

£1,289 

2 

RECAPITULATION. 


Produce  of  the  Forest,.. 

Agricultural  Productions, 

Live  Stock, 

Over  £10,000,... 

5,000,     . 

1,000,... 

500,     . 

100,... 

Under       100,     . 


Sundries  Valued,. 


Total,. 


£ 

s. 

159,551 

6 

454,350 

0 

54,94,3 

7 

66,364 

16 

16,092 

18 

15,236 

8 

1,83.^-. 

0 

2,96? 

6 

1,289 

0 
5 

£772,432 

d. 

5 

9 
6 
5 
8 
1 
6 
10 
2 


ir 


TABLE  B. 
IMPORTS  INTO  CANADA  BY  INLAND  PORTS, 

In  addition  to  those  by  Sea. 


ARTICLES. 


Wine, 

Spirits,     

Rum, 

Molasses, 

Sugar, —  

Refined,       

Muscovado, 

Coffee,      

Teas ■* 

Tobacco, 

Manufactured, 

Unmanufactured,    

Salt, 

Goods  paying  ad  valorem  duties, 


gallons, 


lbs. 
(I 


bushels, 


QUANTITIES. 


1847. 


6,136 
67,769 

121,805 

107,730 
5,426,914 

829,368 
2,556,719 

2,230,335 
189,715 
139,110 
383,781 


1848. 


16,813 

19,271 

2,852 

80,981 

205,882 
3,455,548 

761,714 
1,720,435 

1,244,531 
22,881 
.533,846 
£541,2'13St'g 


TABLE  C. 
SHOWING  THE  QUANTITY  OF  UNITED  STATES  PRODTTCF 

Imported  .Uo  Canada  by  Sea  and  Inland  A'ar^X  ItSf  ™^^^^^^ 


Flour 

Barley 

Maize,      

Oats, 

Rye, 

Indian  Meal, 

Wheat 

Beans 

Butter,      

Cheese,... 

Bacon,     

Beef, 

Pork 

Fresh  Meat, 
White  Pine,... 

Oak, 

Birch,      

Ash 

Plank,      


1847. 


25,533 
14,590 
75,328 
5,704 
12,;'S0 
1,385 
1,168 
675 
97 
3,256 
388 
8,560 
22,437 
1,611 
33,917 
97,110 
142 
259,279 
1,652,068 


I  1848. 


4,326 

1,240 

80,528 

496 
4,032 

877 

312 

2,204 

23 

2,569 

874 

20,776 

720 
2,634 
2,960 


96,372 
746,648 


